A Shot of Brand Brilliance: Capturing the Spirit of Portuguese Bend Distillery
Client: Portuguese Bend Distillery
I was excited to participate in the transformative journey of Portuguese Bend Distillery, a distinctive grain-to-glass distillery based in Long Beach, California. Founded in 2019 by spirit tzar Simon Haxton, faced significant identity challenges exacerbated by the global pandemic. I collaborated with the distillery to define its brand story, positioning it as a symbol of craftsmanship and innovation. The strategic solutions created a premium brand experience promoting the essence of the upstart band of award-winning spirit-makers.
Strategy & Approach
The process of rediscovery is never easy. For Portuguese Bend, we began with a thorough strategy workshop. During this workshop, the senior leadership team worked to identify what defines the organization's personality and its impact on the community. To strengthen those ideas to grow the business.
Logo Refresh
Redesigning the brand's iconic emblem helped to better align with the brand's story. We made the emblem easier to read to create a comprehensive brand system to fully capture the essence of the brand, allowing it to expand its reach across all applications. The outcome was a resounding success that achieved all of the brand's objectives and surpassed expectations.
Website Design & E-Commerce Strategy
Building a better shopping experience The team and I improved the user experience and dramatically improved conversions over the holidays with a new website design with a completely re-imagined "Bottle Shop." Designing a brand website that resonates is more than aesthetics, it's about connection, strong UX/UI, and engagement. We created an interactive platform for Portugues Bend's redesign to embody these ideals.
Portuguese Bend's Whiskey Packaging
An Authentic Package design for THE FIRST TRUE CALIFORNIA RYE BOURBON SINCE PROHIBITION. We had a clear vision for this package design - to create a Whiskey that was as Californian as the coastline that inspired them. Each bottle captures the dynamic weather and high-quality ingredients of our home. The design incorporates traditional elements with modern flair, a nod to our unique approach of reimagining classic recipes. The resulting package design is as robust, modern, and rooted in California as the spirits they contain.
Ready-To-Drink Canned Cocktail
Package Design
“PBD Carried Away” Canned Cocktails
We designed a new line of ready-to-drink craft cocktails complete with naming and package design to increase direct-to-consumer sales. We developed a compelling story for people who want to enjoy a happy hour at home. We created three fun can designs. The pilot program was a great success, exceeding expectations and leading to new partnerships with both the Hyatt and Marriott and a vehicle to support community outreach and local fundraising events. The RTD line helped establish the Bend as a trustworthy and capable player in the space.
Digital Marketing: Social Media & Email
The heart of a successful distillery isn't just the spirits but the community that eagerly raises their glasses to toast your success. This is not just about metrics, reach, or sales. This is about creating a fanbase that feels heard, valued, and emotionally connected to your brand.
Our data-driven strategy delivered accurate, measurable results. By customizing content per channel, we spiked conversions by 20-30% per post. The tailored approach didn't just capture attention; it encouraged repeat business. Engagement soared across channels, creating a ripple effect and driving customers to on-site special events.
We didn't just boost metrics—we built holistic content that turned casual browsers into loyal buyers and event-goers.
